How A Bay Area Educational Psychologist Can Change The Life Of A Child

By Gary Morris


In less enlightened times children that displayed unruly behaviour, that had difficulty learning and reading, that struggled to concentrate on a task and that exhibited socially unacceptable behaviour were deemed as plain stupid, wilfully naughty and often even as abnormal. Nowadays psychological and medical experts know that their is a variety of recognizable conditions that can cause these symptoms and behavioural patterns. A Bay Area educational psychologist can help such children to manage their conditions and to lead normal lives.

Parents and teachers have to be vigilant and they need to be aware of the signs that may indicate that a child is suffering from a condition that can hamper his development. Of course, a single temper tantrum or occasional misbehaviour or even poor results in a test does not automatically mean that there is a psychological problem. However, consistent signs should never be ignored.

Some symptoms are common to many psychological conditions. They include an inability to focus on a task and to complete it, learning difficulties, a short attention span and fidgety behaviour. Some children talk incessantly while others withdraw into themselves and refuse to participate in social interaction. Many sufferers struggle to sleep and others develop eating disorders.

Experts in child psychology will insist on an exhaustive evaluation before they will attempt to make a diagnosis. The child will be required to undergo both objective and subjective tests and in most cases it will also be necessary to interview the parents and other care givers. A medical examination is also deemed very important because it is possible that the symptoms displayed are related to a medical condition rather than a psychological disorder.

If a child is diagnosed with a conditions such as ADD, for example, the therapist will prepare a holistic treatment plan. Many parents think that a problem can be managed by means of medications such as Ritalin. This is not the case. Medication is not effective for all symptoms and patients sometimes experience very uncomfortable side effects. Instead, the treatment plan will focus on several areas and aim at helping the child to lead a normal fulfilling life.

Treatment programs almost always include the management of the diet, exercise regime and sleeping pattern of the patient. Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes every day, have proven to provide relief for many of the symptoms experienced by patients. A strict sleeping regime, with set times for going to sleep and getting up also help. Diet is very important and patients are encouraged to eat smaller meals more frequently rather than one or two bigger meals each day.

Regular counselling sessions are also important. During these sessions young patients learn techniques that help them to cope with their conditions and to channel their energy in a positive manner. Many patients also practice disciplines such as yoga and meditation. This helps them to improve their concentration and to focus on a single issue at a time.

Children suffering from psychological disorders can be helped. There is no reason why they cannot lead full and productive lives. These disorders can be managed, just as any chronic medical condition such as hypertension, for example, can be managed.




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